Skip to content
1837–1909

ON THE RUSSIAN PERSECUTION OF

Algernon Charles Swinburne

O son of man, by lying tongues adored, By slaughterous hands of slaves with feet red-shod In carnage deep as ever Christian trod Profaned with prayer and sacrifice abhorred

And incense from the trembling tyrant's horde, Brute worshippers or wielders of the rod, Most murderous even of all that call thee God, Most treacherous even that ever called thee Lord;

Face loved of little children long ago, Head hated of the priests and rulers then, If thou see this, or hear these hounds of thine Run ravening as the Gadarean swine,

Say, was not this thy Passion, to foreknow In death's worst hour the works of Christian men?

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
ON THE RUSSIAN PERSECUTION OF · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove